Apple unveils the new iPhone 14, Airpods Pro 2, Apple Watch Series 8, and more

Pre-orders for the new Apple iPhone 14 lineup begin this Friday, September 9

Credit: Apple
Credit: Apple
Share this article

Apple has just wrapped its annual fall event, and as expected, highly-anticipated flagship launches like the new iPhones and Apple Watches were announced. This is the tech giant’s third live event of the year, following the March event and June’s WWDC 2022.

The star of the show was certainly the new range of iPhone 14s, with two regular models and two Pro models in the lineup. The most notable changes for the new phones were the camera upgrades, especially for the Pros, as well as the introduction of the dynamic island.

There’s also the Apple Watch Series 8 and the new Apple Watch SE, as well as a beefed up smartwatch in the form of Apple Watch Ultra. The tech giant also announced the launch of the second generation of AirPods Pro.

Below, discover everything you need to know about the new iPhones, Apple Watches, and the new AirPods Pro (2nd generation).

iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus

Credit: Apple
1/9

The new iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus feature a new A15 Bionic chip with a 5-core GPU. Translation: the phones now offer faster performance with incredible efficiency for demanding workloads.

The dual cameras have been upgraded with a larger sensor (1.9 microns) and sensor shift OIS in the 12-megapixel main camera, which allows for better results in difficult lighting. The new TrueDepth camera also helps to boost low-light photography and has better focusing at a faster speed. Apple has also introduced a new software named Photonic Engine to the iPhone 14s, which is said to allow for better details and image processing even in low light. The company also introduced an “action” mode for videos, which helps frames remain stable even during movement.

Credit: Apple
2/9

As rumoured, the iPhone 14s have dropped the physical SIM card. Instead, it has gone to eSIMs, “a more secure alternative to a physical SIM card”, that also allows for multiple cellular plans on a single device. The iPhone 14 lineup also sees the introduction of a new safety feature, emergency SOS via satellite. If you’re ever off the grid, the phone can connect with a satellite in cases of emergency. An SOS software in the phone will guide users to point in the exact direction of a satellite and what to do if the satellite moves.

Size-wise, Apple has dropped the ‘mini’ model that was introduced for the iPhone 12 and 13. The iPhone 14 is available in the popular 6.1-inch standard size, while the Plus offers a wider display at 6.7-inch. The phones are available in five hues: midnight, blue, starlight, purple, and Apple’s signature (Product) Red.

The Apple iPhone14 is now available for pre-order on Amazon, with availability for iPhone 14 beginning Friday, September 16, and availability for iPhone 14 Plus beginning Friday, October 7.

iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max

Credit: Apple
3/9

The Pro and Pro Max models are fitted with the A16 Bionic chip, which is faster and requires lower power than the A15. The phones support the always-on display mode for lock screens, a first for an iPhone. The Pro devices also see the introduction of Apple’s Dynamic Island, a new front design with a smaller cutout for the front-facing camera, which takes up less space and thus expands the device’s screen. Essentially, the new camera notch is able to expand and contract to accommodate Face ID authentication and notifications.

Credit: Apple
4/9

The phone camera systems are the star of the show for the Pro models. The lineup features a new 48megapixel main camera with a quad-pixel sensor, allowing for crisp photos even in low-light capture. There's also a new 2x telephoto setting and a 48mm mode. For hardcore photographers, the phones can now also shoot ProRAW at 48MP with an unprecedented level of detail.

Similar to the iPhone 14 models, the Pro devices also feature action mode, emergency SOS via satellite and eSIM.

The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max are available in 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch sizes respectively, and are on the market in four finishes: deep purple, silver, gold, and space black.

The Apple iPhone14 is now available for pre-order on Amazon, with availability beginning Friday, September 16.

Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE

Credit: Apple
5/9

The new Apple Watch Series 8 features new watch faces, an always-on and larger display (with crack-resistant front crystal), and improved battery life (18 hours). As always, health and safety features like the ECG app and fall detection are present, but Apple has also placed a focus on women’s health.

There’s more accurate menstrual cycle tracking thanks to features such as the new temperature sensor to get ovulation estimation and period predictions. There are also new safety features, such as crash detection to provide automatic notification to emergency services and contacts.

Credit: Apple
6/9

The new Apple Watch SE, a more affordable alternative to Apple’s smart watch, offers the core Apple Watch experience that includes activity tracking, high and low heart rate notifications, and emergency SOS. The smartwatch is also equipped with the new Crash Detection feature and a completely redesigned back case.

Both the Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE are powered by watchOS 9. The models also feature low power mode, which temporarily disables or limits select sensors and features such as the always-on retina display to help extend battery life.

Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE are available to order on Amazon, with availability beginning Friday, September 16.

Apple Watch Ultra

Credit: Apple
7/9

The incredible hulk of the Apple Watch lineup comes in the form of the Ultra model. It’s the tech giant’s most rugged watch yet, with a titanium case and flat sapphire front crystal display. This watch is for the intense sportsperson, with a wide range of features built for endurance, exploration, and adventure.

There’s a customisable Action button that offers instant access to a wide range of useful features, and battery life up to 36 hours (which can be extended up to 60 hours via optimisation settings). The larger watch face includes a compass built into the dial and night mode for better visibility. The watch also features a new GPS designed for more accurate results, and it uses a mic array for better pickup.

Besides sports, the Ultra is also designed for exploration in extreme and remote locations, from freezing cold mountains at -20° C to the blazing desert heat at 55° C, and water sports including extreme activities like kitesurfing and wakeboarding. Three new bands are available with the watch, designed for specific activities (alpine, trail and oceanic).

Apple Watch Ultra is available to order today on Amazon, with availability beginning Friday, September 23.

AirPods Pro (2nd generation)

Credit: Apple
8/9

The second generation of the AirPods Pro boasts major upgrades to features like active noise cancellation and transparency mode. The H1 chip in previous models has graduated to the H2, “which provides an exceptional acoustic experience and cancels up to twice as much noise over the previous generation AirPods Pro”.

Credit: Apple
9/9

This also means that the new AirPods Pro offers a richer bass and better clarity across a wider range of frequencies. In adaptive transparency mode, the H2 chip also reduces loud environmental noises, like a passing vehicle siren or construction tools, for more comfortable everyday listening. Touch control on the AirPods Pro allows users to adjust the volume or playback with a light swipe.

You’ll get six hours of playback – with active noise cancellation – plus 30 hours of charging in the case. The case has also been newly designed to be sweat- and water-resistant, and it now includes a lanyard loop so you’re not digging around the bottom of your bag in search for the earbuds.

But that's not all Apple will be releasing. In fact, the brand has also quietly released the 3rd generation of Apple AirPods this year of which you can expect a Lightning-only charging case. The MagSafe model, which was announced in October 2021, can also be charged with a Lightning cable and other wireless chargers.

AirPods Pro (2nd generation) will be available to order on Amazon here, while the AirPods Pro (3rd generation) will be available to order on Amazon here. The AirPods Pro will be available in stores beginning Friday, September 23.

All new Amazon customers can enjoy S$19.90 off with a minimum $40 spend (enter code SPHNTA99) on their first purchase on Amazon.sg (excluding Fresh and Amazon US/JP products) until 30 September.

All new/existing customers can enjoy S$19.90 with a minimum $80 spend (enter code 99SPHAMAZON) for Personal Computers, Electronics, Wireless, Camera, Home Entertainment, Office and Beauty category (excluding Fresh and Global Store) until 15th September.

All the items are independently selected by our editorial team. If you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. But we only recommend products we love. Promise.

Share this article